If you walk through uptown Saint John, you know the historic brick buildings define the area. Now, Mayor Donna Reardon is calling out whoever stuck protest signs on these heritage properties. The stickers protest a proposed AI data centre in the city.

The Impact on Heritage Buildings

The stickers feature a QR code linking to an article from The Narwhal about residents battling the government over the planned AI data centre. Reardon received multiple messages from residents and business owners about the vandalism. She took to social media Sunday night to address the issue.

“We appreciate everyone’s passion but placing stickers on heritage buildings, private property, or local businesses without permission is not acceptable,” Reardon stated. “Saint John’s historic streetscape belongs to all of us, and property owners should never be left cleaning up someone else’s activism.”

Removing the signs proves difficult. The old brick in the heritage area is highly porous. Reardon noted the unique mortar and brick size make repairs complicated and expensive.

Protest Groups Denounce the Vandalism

The group Resist Data Centre NB officially denounced the act. They confirmed neither they nor any affiliated opposition groups organized the sticker campaign.

Sarah Nelson, an organizer with Resist Data Centre NB, emphasized the mayor needs to focus on the broader debate. Nelson pointed out the proposed data centre requires a 200 megawatt draw from NB Power. This equals the electricity use of over 100,000 homes during a time of grid strain.

“Apologies go out to the businesses who had to remove these,” Nelson said. “They do not represent us or the movement.”

The Narwhal also released a statement clarifying they did not create the stickers and had no knowledge of their production. They stated they do not condone vandalism on public or private property.

The Proposed AI Data Centre

VoltaGrid LLC pitched the data centre project for a 120 hectare parcel of land inside the expanded Spruce Lake Industrial Park. The site received municipal zoning approval last year. This facility marks the first proposed project for the industrial park expansion.

Opposition to the project includes protests in Saint John and Fredericton. Activists also launched a boycott campaign against the recent Moonlight Bazaar event because VoltaGrid LLC acted as a sponsor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the protest stickers say?

The stickers state that New Brunswick residents are battling the government over a planned AI data centre. They include a QR code linking to an article by The Narwhal.

Why is removing the stickers difficult?

The stickers are attached to historic brick buildings in uptown Saint John. The old brick is highly porous and uses a specific type of mortar, making it easy to damage during the removal process.

Did Resist Data Centre NB organize the sticker campaign?

No. Resist Data Centre NB denounced the vandalism and stated the individuals responsible do not represent their movement.

Where will the proposed AI data centre be located?

VoltaGrid LLC plans to build the facility on a 120 hectare parcel of land within the expanded Spruce Lake Industrial Park.